Dark photon searches in the photon channel

TL;DR

This study proposes a novel method for dark photon detection by analyzing spectral shape differences in photon production, using a GEANT4 model with specific experimental setup parameters.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach to dark photon searches based on spectral shape analysis and provides simulation results demonstrating its potential.

Findings

Multiple campaign runs could explore new parameter space regions.

The method is highly model independent.

Simulations show feasibility with specific experimental parameters.

Abstract

Spectral shape differences between photons produced in $\pi^0\to\gamma+\gamma$ and $\pi^0\to\gamma+A_D$ may provide a new avenue for dark photon searches. Assuming 70 $\mu$m thick tungsten foils separated by 200 $\mu$m and a 1 GeV proton beam, we developed a GEANT4 model to estimate photon production and detection including background. Our results demonstrate that multiple campaign runs with a 10-50 $\mu$A beam could probe previously unexplored regions of parameter space in models where the dark photon has predominantly invisible decays. The results are highly model independent.